Baby care tips come from all around when you have a new infant, and some sources are better for you to listen to than others. When it comes to taking care of your child, you want to do what is best for him or her. Remember to listen to your intuition, and to listen to your baby’s cues. Aside from that, you may need a little help understanding when to take a tip as gospel and when to look into it further. For more advice on sorting through baby care tips, read the list below and consult a pediatrician.

Remember that it is more important to find what works for you and your baby than to follow everyone’s advice all the time. You are going to be bombarded with new baby advice, so take everything with a grain of salt. One piece of advice you can totally ignore is, “Don’t hold the baby too much, you will spoil him.” There is no possible way to spoil an infant. Love your baby, touch your baby, and hold your baby. The infant cannot understand words yet, so the only real language between you and your infant is touch. Use it to show your love and nurture your baby.

Do Infants Need Water?

According to the USDA, the answer is an emphatic no! Water under six months can choke the infant and in some cases cause water intoxication. An infant cannot swallow plain water properly. It is too thin and the infant’s swallowing muscles are not developed. Breast milk and formula are the only foods and drinks that infants need.

How Often Should I Feed My Infant?

Unless directed by a physician, feed your infant whenever he or she is hungry. Every two hours is normal, but just like older children an infant is not always hungry at specific times. According to the Usda.gov, the common amounts for infant’s needs every one to two hours are:

0–1 months: 18–24 oz.

1–2 months: 22–28 oz.

2–3 months: 24–32 oz.

If your infant eats more or less, it is perfectly normal. Infants also experience frequent growth spurts, so they will eat more some days and less other days. Again, this is normal for infants, but if you feel uncomfortable or worried you should consult a pediatrician.

Can Infants Sleep on their Backs?

The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development at Nichd.nih.gov states, “Babies sleep safer on their backs.” Babies who sleep on their stomachs are much more likely to die of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) than babies who sleep on their backs.

Babies sometimes lack the mechanism that allows them to wake up when their face becomes blocked from the air, and SIDS can result from something as simple as the weight of the baby pressing down on the baby’s chest at night.

Is Co-Sleeping Best for the Baby?

One of the many dangers of adult beds is that they have the potential to suffocate infants. Pillows, bedding, the mattress, and even your body and nightgown have the potential to suffocate a little one, however, the risk of sleeping with mom is not larger than the risk of the infant sleeping alone in the crib. Dr. Sears at Askdrsears.com has a great report on safe sleeping with your baby. His research shows that “the number of accidental deaths in an adult bed is only 1.5% of the total cases of SIDS.”

It is not unsafe to sleep with the infant nestled on your breast or arm. At Parenthood.com, Dr. James McKenna explains that it is safe to sleep with your infant as long as you remove potential dangers, such as large fluffy pillows and blankets. Furthermore, Dr. McKenna comments on the infant’s needs of co-sleeping and states that “both mothers and babies were designed biologically and psychologically to sleep next to one another for nocturnal infant breastfeeding and nurturing throughout the night.”

Cow’s Milk before 12 Months?

The Medical Encyclopedia at MedLine Plus states that: “Under one year of age, skim and 2% (low-fat) milk have no place in the diet. They supply too much protein, potassium, and sodium and not enough calories for the growing infant. Children also need the fat for proper growth and development including brain development.”

Your infant’s needs do not include cow’s milk. Cow’s milk can be harder for children to digest at a younger age, and most doctors recommend waiting until the baby is at least 12 months old before introducing them to cow’s milk. When it is introduced, it should be whole milk since babies need the fats and nutrition in the whole milk. As always, consult your pediatrician before making any nutritional changes to your infant’s diet.

Should you Place a Car Seat in the Front Seat?

The American Academy of Pediatricians has excellent information on infant car seats, how to use them, and how to choose them.

It is very important that car seat should never be placed in the front passenger seat of the car because of the danger of the airbags. Even a forward facing car seat should go in the back where your infant’s need for safety is met. This is one tip that you should take to heart instead of risking endangering your child.

Help, My Baby Won’t Stop Crying!

Every new parent has felt the frustration of a baby that will not stop crying, no matter how you hold or care for the infant’s needs. This is very normal. Remember that a crying baby is a natural sound. It can warn you of hunger, pain, and needs.

One of the most important baby care tips is that touch and crying are the only way your infant can communicate with you. The more touch with the infant, the more safe and secure the infant will feel.

Crying is to be expected, especially if the baby has colic. Familydoctor.org explains that you should contact your doctor immediately if: 1. Your baby's cry changes from a fussy one to a painful one; 2. Your baby stops gaining weight; 3. Your baby has a fever; and 4. You're afraid you might hurt your baby. A warm blanket, rocking chair, or drive can do wonders for a crying baby. You can also try some of the more unconventional soothers, like running the vacuum cleaner or rocking the baby on top of the washer/dryer.

Baby care tips are widely available on the Internet, in books, and from just about everyone you know. You will hear many baby care tips every day that sometimes pass on conflicting information.

Remember that you cannot spoil an infant by holding her. Your new infant should not be given clear liquids, cow’s milk, or any juice. Follow the nutritional advice of your pediatrician before making any changes in the infant’s diet. Co-sleeping with your baby is safe and comforting; just remove choking and suffocation hazards. Never place an infant in the front seat of a car. This is dangerous for the infant.

Most importantly, consult a pediatrician for real advice; you would be surprised how much family and friend ‘advice’ is medically unsound. Don’t be afraid to ask your pediatrician lots of questions. Call your pediatrician at 2 AMand leave a message if you have to—after all, that is what you are paying the pediatrician for.

Always Consult Your Physician FirstAlthough it is helpful to get health information by reading and talking with friends, make sure you consult your doctor first before trying any new treatment or changing your diet. Remember that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate the strength, purity or safety of herbs and supplements. Be sure to always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, speak with your doctor before taking medical action or changing your health routine. This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. LifeScript disclaims any liability for the decisions made by its readers based on the information provided.

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